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This is in a segment full of familiar shapes and conservative design Mahindra XUV 3XO is something of a refreshing highlight.
Light SUVs remain a popular category in Australia and while many competitors compete on price and practicality, few bring real personality.
The XUV 3XO does just that, combining distinctive design, modern technology and an unexpectedly engaging driving experience in a package that feels truly different to the norm.
The difference is immediately noticeable in the design. While many light SUVs opt for a rounded, confident design, the XUV 3XO features a wider, more upright and boxier shape that gives it a confident and modern appearance.
On the street, it looks planted and purposeful, with proportions that make it seem larger and more substantial than its compact footprint suggests. The finishes are clean and modern, creating a visual identity that feels intentional rather than derivative.
Lighting plays a central role in defining this identity. Up front, the XUV 3XO features eye-catching LED light signatures that frame the nose with a clean, modern aesthetic.
The detailing gives the front end a distinctive character and immediately elevates the car beyond the visual anonymity that often plagues this class. It looks sharp, technical and thoroughly contemporary.
The rear design is arguably even more dramatic. A full-width LED light bar extends across the tailgate, creating a stylish and recognizable appearance, especially at night.
Full-length taillight bars have become a hallmark of premium SUVs and electric vehicles in recent years. The fact that this feature is implemented so confidently in a compact SUV in this price range gives the XUV 3XO a surprisingly premium feel.
The wider, boxier shape also offers practical benefits. The upright stance and thoughtful proportions help maximize interior space, creating an interior that feels more spacious than the vehicle’s city-friendly dimensions would suggest.
Rear passengers benefit from respectable legroom, while the trunk offers useful luggage volume for everyday use. It’s a clever balance – compact enough for city commuting, but roomy enough to be really practical.
Step inside and the $23,990 XUV 3XO continues to impress with an unusually generous level of technology and equipment for the segment.
The interior features two 10.25-inch digital displays, giving the dashboard a modern, tech-focused look. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, eliminating the need for cables, while a wireless phone charger keeps the cabin clutter-free.
At the higher price range, the XUV 3XO also features a premium Harman Kardon sound system that delivers audio quality rarely found in this class. It adds another level of sophistication to the driving experience and reinforces the impression that this is a small SUV that punches well above its weight in terms of features.
One of the most visually impressive interior features is Mahindra’s full-length “Sky Roof”. The large glass panel that extends across much of the cabin floods the interior with natural light, improving the sense of space for both front and rear passengers.
The integrated sun protection allows the occupants to regulate heat and brightness if necessary. However, when opened, it changes the atmosphere of the vehicle’s interior, giving it an airy, premium feel that is unusual in this segment of the market.
Under the hood, the XUV 3XO continues to surprise. Instead of relying on a conventional four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, which is still common in this segment, Mahindra has equipped its smallest SUV with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine.
It may seem modest on paper, but in practice it gives the vehicle a lively and engaging character.
The turbo engine produces a whopping 200 Nm of torque and delivers strong pulling power even at low speeds, making the XUV 3XO feel responsive and flexible in everyday use.
It moves through the city with a zeal that many small-displacement naturally aspirated engines can hardly keep up with. The accessible torque means it feels effortless in traffic and gets going quickly when needed.
The three-cylinder arrangement also contributes to the character of the car. The engine has a distinctive rhythm that adds a personal touch to the driving experience, but Mahindra has done an impressive job of keeping it refined and relatively quiet.
The result is a powertrain that feels smooth, responsive and surprisingly entertaining. This sense of engagement makes driving the XUV 3XO truly enjoyable. It feels light on its feet in urban environments and has enough power to make everyday driving feel lively rather than purely functional.
In a class where many vehicles value competence over character, this extra spark of driving fun helps the Mahindra stand out from the crowd.
Put all this together and the XUV 3XO is more than just another compact SUV competitor. Its bold design language, highlighted by striking LED lighting and a confident stance, gives it a strong visual identity.
The generous features list – including features like Harman Kardon audio, wireless smartphone connectivity and the spacious sky roof – ensures a premium appeal that is rarely found in this price range.
And the powerful turbo engine ensures that it is not only stylish and well-equipped, but also really fun to drive.
In a crowded small SUV segment where many vehicles take a backseat, the Mahindra XUV 3XO manages to stand out.
It proves that affordability doesn’t have to mean compromise, offering design, modern technology and driving pleasure in a package that feels fresh, distinctive and surprisingly well-sorted.
MORE: Explore the Mahindra XUV 3XO showroom
